How long does the TF-100 last?

[Nikilyn]

We need to purchase a test kit for the pool we are building. My husband asked how often we'll need to buy a kit. What about the XL? It seems like it would be a better deal to buy the bigger kit. Are there any drawbacks to buying that one?

 

[Newdude]

No drawbacks at all. In fact, for people new to testing it is by far the smartest choice. The XL leaves lots of extra reagents to learn with. It is literally counting drops and is *that* simple. No matter how scary the big kit seems. In said kit is a big lamentated card with each test detailed. If you glance at the whole page it seems insane. Look at any specific test and it is CAKE.

Fill tube to 10ml,
add scoop of powder,
count drops of 0871 reagent to turn newly pink vial to clear,
each drop equals 1/2 PPM FC

BOOM thats it. (And every test is similarly easy).

But at first you'll be nervous and mess up a but. Then once you get it you will test WAY more often than normal as you learn your pools character and habits. You won't trust yourself so you'll run tests several times. Once that subsides the chemicals usually expire at 2 years before most people run out.

So the XL for you is a great choice. Also get the speedster. Having to aggressively stir the test vial while adding drops with the other hand and counting can be done, but why. Certainly not for $30.

 

[HermanTX]

It is always best to test more at the beginning because it helps you gain experience and confidence in your test process.
The XL additional kit is for testing Chlorine only as most people tend to use that the most - almost daily during the swim season. The TF-100 kit comes with sufficient reagents to do a lot of tests. See the comparison that shows the estimated number of tests for each in this link - Test Kits Compared - Trouble Free Pool | Trouble Free Pool
You may test chlorine more often than that of Calcium or Alkaline so you won't run out of everything at the same time. Also, some tests require only 2 or 3 drops from 1 reagent and 10 or more from others. After 6 months you will get a feel of what tests you need to do more often and how long each set of reagents will last. They sell individual reagents or a group of them so you can always make adjustments. Don't overbuy on reagents at the start because you do not want them to expire - all are good for 12 months and some even longer. However, I would buy the XL kit because that is very useful and used most often.

I also support buying the speed stirrer because it will make testing more consistent. Suggest you buy some extra stirrer beans (only 1 comes with it). Mine got mixed with my paper towel and into the trash by accident.

So both the speed stirrer and the XL option would be good addons (with the discount) with purchase of the TF-100 kit.
It is noted that you have a SWCG so you should add the K-1766 kit to your initial purchase as well unless you already have that kit.
Hope this helps.

 

[woodyp]

Buy "the kit" once....then just resupply the refills.

 

[Nikilyn]

Buy "the kit" once....then just resupply the refills.

How often do you buy refills?

 

[mknauss]

It is a good idea to get a complete refill set each spring. TFTestkits will email you a special typically in March. You may have some carry over amounts of reagent but they do age. So best to get a new set each year.

 

[Nikilyn]

Good to know it's not like every 2 months. Restocking every year seems very reasonable.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Most of my reagents last 2 years. I need to refill FC and pH testing reagents annually. Those are about $20-$25.

 

[HermanTX]

Good to know it's not like every 2 months. Restocking every year seems very reasonable.

It is a small price to purchase reagents to obtain good testing values and have a great crystal clear pool. The alternative is buying a lot of unnecessary stuff at a pool store and have poor quality pool water.

 

[woodyp]

Reagents are guaranteed 12 months of "goodness" but will typically be fine from 18 to 24 months with proper storage. Accidentally knocking reagents into the pool is not covered under warranty!

 

[Nikilyn]

Reagents are guaranteed 12 months of "goodness" but will typically be fine from 18 to 24 months with proper storage. Accidentally knocking reagents into the pool is not covered under warranty!

Is that known from experience ? I'll keep that in mind.

 

[woodyp]

I've heard rumors from a friend of a friend ya' know..............

 

[clambert1273]

Plus after you get built, if u need help testing & adding I can come help & bring my kit too

 

[Nikilyn]

Plus after you get built, if u need help testing & adding I can come help & bring my kit too

I'm kind of scared that I'm not going to get it and be able to figure it out. I'm sure I will but I worry I'll do the drops wrong. I really need to get that kit ordered ASAP.

 

[mgtfp]

Here is an overview with shelf life estimations for the Taylor reagents:

Should the test kit be replaced each year?

I purchased the TFP test kit last year. Is it still good?

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[clambert1273]

I'm kind of scared that I'm not going to get it and be able to figure it out. I'm sure I will but I worry I'll do the drops wrong. I really need to get that kit ordered ASAP.

don't be, I can show you either way I promise lol I've had my kit since like 2012

 

[Waiawa]

It is a good idea to get a complete refill set each spring. TFTestkits will email you a special typically in March. You may have some carry over amounts of reagent but they do age. So best to get a new set each year.

Will TFTestkits automatically send out an email to their customers in March?

 

[mknauss]

Will TFTestkits automatically send out an email to their customers in March?

Yes. If they have your email.

 

[mguzzy]

I'll second what others have already said.. A lot of people get 2 yrs out of their reagents, and I have seen a lot of newbies get the XL just so they have the extras solutions to learn to test with. Then you can just buy a refill kit each year or every other year depending on your regime. AND GET THE SPEEDSTIR! It really does make things easier. After your first year you will have figured it out.

 

[Nikilyn]

Got my test kit ordered. I got the XL bundle with the speed stir and also the whale brush. Oh, and the salt water test strips. Can't wait to start testing my water and learning.